I doubt it is legal...but you should also ask yourself how much the exit permit is worth (and how time sensitive the issue is for you).
Years ago, one my my employers would only agree to give me a NOC if I gave up my rights to end of service gratuity (that I had already earned at that point) AND my summer vacation pay. In the end, I agreed because the new job was significant enough to me to do that, even though it was basically blackmail.
Another time this same employer was reluctant to give me an exit permit, saying the signatory was out of the country, what could they do, blah blah blah.... It wasn't until I threatened my immediate resignation (coupled with a phone call to embassy to verify that they would assist me) that they "miraculously" found someone who could sign my exit permit.
Too often people get away with illegal behavior because their victims aren't equipped enough to fight for their rights. And there is so much bureaucratic red tape here that sometimes it seems it's not worth the struggle. But I say if you can fight them on this point without seriously disadvantaging yourself, then do it.
I doubt it is legal...but you should also ask yourself how much the exit permit is worth (and how time sensitive the issue is for you).
Years ago, one my my employers would only agree to give me a NOC if I gave up my rights to end of service gratuity (that I had already earned at that point) AND my summer vacation pay. In the end, I agreed because the new job was significant enough to me to do that, even though it was basically blackmail.
Another time this same employer was reluctant to give me an exit permit, saying the signatory was out of the country, what could they do, blah blah blah.... It wasn't until I threatened my immediate resignation (coupled with a phone call to embassy to verify that they would assist me) that they "miraculously" found someone who could sign my exit permit.
Too often people get away with illegal behavior because their victims aren't equipped enough to fight for their rights. And there is so much bureaucratic red tape here that sometimes it seems it's not worth the struggle. But I say if you can fight them on this point without seriously disadvantaging yourself, then do it.